Thought I'd submit a review as the ones on here are a bit historic. But many things said are still true!
I have been skiing here since 1985 (but have skied many other resorts).
Some things are the same as 1985: the Front de Neige indoor mall with shops and bars restaurants. Most close early and it's certainly not a resort if you are here for wild apres-ski and late nights; you will be disappointed, same as 1985!
Cow Club still popular but oh dear, yes, they can be very, shall we say, offhand... Especially to us Brits.. I speak some French and always speak in French to them. It seems to get a better response than those we hear speaking in English to start with.
On the slopes, the lifts have been updated over the past years and you are swiftly taken up the mountain. Still room for improvement though if only you could get up to Sistron quicker.
My biggest chew and has happened the last twice we visited, my wife bought my lift passes online in the Flash sale and because she was not with me the very, very stroppy lady refused to issue passes.... Just said non.
I went to the tourist information office as my limited French was getting nowhere and they came with me to the kiosk. They said it should not have happened and to point out which lady had been stroppy and we'll chose a different one. This time passes given and the explanation why not given before was that she must have been having a bad day!
Not a good start to the week!
You will have a good time if you accept it's a red/blue resort and are prepared to ski same runs numerous times. One day in Auron is always a good decision ...
Easy to access by car or bus, good snow history, not usually busy, no big tour companies,
Will be back there soon.

Isola 2000 Ratings

Access: 4.5

(1) At least one overnight stop, (2) requires a whole day, (3) requires more than half a day &ndash; you may have time for a few turns (4) arrive by lunchtime and ski all afternoon, (5) there is a main airport within an hour of Isola 2000.

Public Transport: 4.5

(1) There are no buses or taxis to Isola 2000, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections.

Scenery: 3.6

(1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town.

Accommodation: 4.1

(1) No places to stay in/near Isola 2000, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets.

Cheap Rooms: 3.3

(1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available.

Luxury Hotels: 2.8

(1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Isola 2000.

Ski in/Ski out: 4.7

(1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available.

Childcare: 3.6

(1) There are no child care facilities at Isola 2000, (5) the resort has excellent child-care facilities including at least one reasonably priced creche.

Snowsure: 4.6

(1) Occasionally gets enough snow for skiing, (2) is often closed due to a lack of snow, (3) occasionally suffers from a lack of snow, (4) rarely suffers from a lack of snow, (5) Isola 2000 is snowsure even in the poorest seasons.

Snowmaking: 4.3

(1) Isola 2000 relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes.

Snow Grooming: 4.5

(1) There are no snow groomers at Isola 2000, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Isola 2000 are groomed daily.

Shelter: 3.7

(1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Isola 2000 is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close.

Nearby options: 2.8

(1) If snow conditions are poor at Isola 2000, it will be poor everywhere nearby, (3) there are good alternatives within an hours drive, (5) other locations on the same lift pass provide a rich variety of snowsure ski conditions.

Regional rating: 4.7

(1) Isola 2000 usually has poor snow conditions compared to other resorts in region, (3) has average conditions for the region, (5) usually has the best snow conditions in the region.

Lift Staff: 4.4

(1) The staff at Isola 2000 are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Isola 2000 are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help.

Crowds/Queues: 4.0

(1) the resort is always busy and there are usually long lift queues, (3) it is quiet apart from occasional weekends and school holidays, (5) it is uncrowded and lift queues are very rare.

Ski Schools: 4.1

(1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors.

Hire and Repairs: 4.5

(1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible.

Variety of pistes: 4.0

(1) The ski runs are featureless and unvaried, (3) the ski runs are varied but not extensive enough for a week, (5) Isola 2000 has diverse and interesting pistes including forests and high alpine terrain.

Beginners: 4.5

(1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain.

Intermediates: 4.3

(1) No intermediate terrain at Isola 2000, (3) intermediate skiers will get bored after a few days, (5) vast areas of cruising runs.

Advanced: 4.0

(1) Nothing for advanced skiers and snowboarders, (3) enough steep terrain for a few days with some good offpiste, (5) Enough steep terrain and offpiste areas to entertain advanced skiers for at least a week.

Snow Park: 4.4

(1) Not even a kicker at Isola 2000, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails.

Off-piste: 3.6

(1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days.

Cross-country: 2.2

(1) There is nowhere to go for cross-country skiing around Isola 2000, (3) there are some cross country trails available, (5) the area features many spectacular and well maintained cross-country trails.

Luge/Toboggan: 2.4

(1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Isola 2000 has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages.

Mountain Dining: 4.0

(1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.

Eating: 4.0

(1) Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants.

Apres-Ski: 3.5

(1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere.

Other Sports: 2.7

(1) No sports facilities at all apart from ski lifts, (3) resort has just a small public swimming pool, (5) resort has all kinds of sports facilities, including a full-size swimming pool.

Entertainment: 3.0

(1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports.

Winter Walks: 3.4

(1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities.

Ski Pass Value: 3.8

(1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area.

Value (National): 3.8

(1) Overall, Isola 2000 is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country.

Value (Global): 3.8

(1) Overall, Isola 2000 is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money.

Have been skiing at Isola 2000 for over 25 years and have seen some great improvements in that time. Without doubt, the staff who run the resort: lift operators, office de tourisme, ESF are very friendly, helpful and competent. The standard of English spoken is also very good which has no doubt lead to more visitors from other countries skiing here. Wide variety of mainly easy slopes, mainly suited to intermediates but it's great for families and groups of friends who can easily meet up quickly back at the heart of the station. Extremely easy to get to from Nice with public transport via Lignes d'Azur's 750 line which is 4€ each way booked in advance. I'm just back from my latest visit. The resort was snowed in/cut off twice that week, but the authorities clear the mountain road in literally a couple of hours, which is amazing. The pistes are constantly attended to, from what I could see, with lots of staff clearing any problems promptly. Automatic Avalanche inhibitors make the resort sound a bit "war torn" in blizzard weather conditions, but safety seems paramount here. During my visit, they were having a "purge" on backpacks on chairlifts (mine is small and completely flat, never causes any problems, but I had to take it off which was a bit annoying, but I understand they have to have the same rule for everybody). New piste restaurants opening up - the "yellow plaque" restaurant, La Tarine" is now "Ski-in" and is excelleny for lunch, and really cheap too, as their portion sizes are so huge one will do for two to share! Local things like boeuf en daube, chicken with ginger, tartiflette - all superb, with super-friendly staff. The new Himalayan restaurant also; great for dinner - very welcoming and friendly, again huge portions for raclette, beef brochettes flambeed..... (I'm not keen on the Cow Club, it's one of the few places in Isola 2000 where the staff are indifferent and the service is generally poor. I've given up going there now for this reason). All in all, this small resort is a great choice for mixed abilities and those looking for an unpretentious ski station, that nevertheless has staff there that really try to do their best. The main resort building is not attractive, but it's an efficient option to have all you need under one roof, including 2 supermarkets. But the surroundings are fairly wooded and the ski area itself is really pretty. All the Morriset/ski set shops are super efficient but for sheer friendliness and helpfulness, I can't recommend Skimium enough, but they are right down at the bottom of the resort (opposite the upper car park). The resort's so high, I've only ever had one year where the snow wasn't very good, but they have got extensive snowmaking anyway. But it does get frighteningly huge snow dumps, especially late in the season...... the supermarkets do sell snow chains!!

February 14, 2013Justin Stevens from United Kingdom

Great stay in Isola 2000. Lots of snow this year, slope quality is great. All runs open. Finally a great new lodge/restaurant has opened this year: Le Refuge, was amazing for dinner and had a great lunch as well. Huge party with a live DJ during the day at Le Solarium which is attached to Le Refuge. You must hit the slope to go party at this place! It's the only party in Isola 2000. Also has the best sunshine of the entire resort. Also ate at Cow club and others which were good but the whole experience with the scenic tour at night at Le Refuge was world class. So beautiful.

January 27, 2013Eloise from United Kingdom

We normally ski Auron but after a bad year of snow, we thought we'd brave the Congrete of Isola & have been pleasantly surprised. Yes, the resort is awful & nothing like the village charm of Auron, and the ski domain feels slightly smaller, but the snow is way better given the extra height. The selection of restaurants is not as good (we had a dreadful meal at Le Refuge - no toilets, very poor food, no tap water & ridiculously expensive!) but our other meals at Marmotte, Raclette & Chalet Belvedere were great, phew! Praise too for our hotel Le Druos. Friendly, clean, simple & truly ski in/ out. Beds v hard but that's our only complaint. We'll be back, sorry Auron!

January 13, 2013Cecile from Monaco

We have been skiing in Isola for over 20 years and seen many improvements including much faster lifts and it's more logically laid out; even over New Year there were no queues. As soon as you get away from relatively ugly resort the scenery is gorgeous and the (sea) view from the top of the Sistron chair is just breath-taking. Very friendly ESF ski school and beginners can progress really quickly all over the mountain. New snow park: Tony's snow land named after an Isola snowboarder who won bronze at the last Olympics!
The very respectable altitude ensures good skiing practically until April.
Pizzas at the Cow Cub are still delicious and La Valette, on the St Sauveur side, is a fun stop for bbq chicken wings and just about the only lunch stop with an indoor fireplace! Hopeless nightlife but fine for families.

November 05, 2012George Ferns from France

Isola 2000,

Living in this part of the world, we can access the station fairly quickly. As decent skiers it keeps your interest for a few days. If there's been a dump midweek, add another day. Not enough to merit a week unless you are learning to ski. Like most French resorts it's the take it or leave it attitude. Sometimes you get lucky, other days it's the real pits. Hey, we are in France!
Regarding uplift, it's okay. The resort really needs to be modernized as it's now well past it's sell by date. Have a wander around at night inside and be afraid, very afraid! Nope it ain't the Alps, it's the southern Alps and they try their best...at times and their worst at others. 5/10 Could try harder.

April 08, 2012Annette Freeman from United Kingdom

Just returned from our 3rd visit to Isola 2000. (April 1st to April 7th 2012.) Have been prompted to write regarding the fabulous care our son received after an accident. The assistance from the medical teams both on and off the mountain were excellent. Quick, comforting and friendly (contrary to some other reports written regarding the locals!!!) I guess this is one of the reassuring points of skiing in a smaller resort, help is never too far away!!! Great with teenagers in tow!! I think it important to weigh up your own family/individual needs when skiing and an essential part of that includes the safety/efficiency of the resort. No good having many miles of skiing available to you if you should need help relatively quickly. By the way the most fantastic food was served in 'Le Petit Chamois, just on the nursery slope so accessible for an evening meal too. They radio controlled through to the medical staff who were helping our kids out on the other side of the mountain!! Brilliant and comforting to us as anxious parents. This sort of help is priceless. Yes the 1 euro bus is still transferring skiers from Nice in less than 2 hours. Snow was needed during the week and it came!! Isola never seems to disappoint us. Great little restaurant/pizzeria at the top of the funicular too. It is not the most attractive of resorts, but not all of us with families can afford Austrian/French Alps prices. The Front Neige is dated, but I find this has an appeal in itself. When the snow comes the setting is wonderful and plenty to do, in my opinion, for all the family as well as groups of skiers. Stop knocking it, there are far more good things going for this resort than bad, maybe the secret of Isola is beginning to spread, there were far more English here than 5 yrs ago (when we first visited and indeed more again this year!) Shhhhhhh!!

March 26, 2012Laura from France

I read another review and this prompted me to write. We are intermediate skiers and I usually prefer Auron but they had little snow this year so we went to Isola. I tried to buy a pass for half of the day I arrived plus the following full day - no the latter was impossible. Then suddenly the very rude lady selling the tickets decided to change her mind and we bought them, but after half an hour wait and querying why we couldn't.
The next day we spent 250 for our group at lunch in the Cow club, the waiters were great. We went back afterwards for coffee and got what must be the 'cow' part of the club. I couldn't believe how rude she was. My eight year old merely asked if they sold kit-kats and she yelled at him 'it's a restaurant not a shop' and then stormed off with a face that would stop a bus. Of course we left. Whey do some French people insist on ruining one's day? It happens so much I'm not sure I can put up with their attitude much longer. We had had a lovely 1 1/2 in Isola only for it to be ruined by two bitchy women at the beginning and end of our stay. I hope Auron has snow next year...

March 20, 2012Cecile Martin from France

I learned to ski in Isola in the 80s and have just moved back to Nice so have been spending some weekends here with my family and am really sad to see how the resort has deteriorated. Many runs have disappeared, I can't believe some of the old lifts are still running & the horrid concrete resort seems to be falling apart. There are some lovely looking new chalets up the hill, where we stayed this time but they are hopeless. You can't ski in or out & the little Navette shuttle runs at the most silly times or stops early! It seems no one is investing in the resort. I adored this place but it is not what it was. All the other accommodations have had nothing done to them since the station was built (we have tried a lot in our search for somewhere fresh & clean) & it feels like you just being ripped off. Plus, and I am ashamed to say this, being French, I saw the most terrible arrogance towards some tourists, they spoke so rudely about them whilst taking their money because they thought they could not understand French. Yes, it is an ideal cheap destination for many eastern European coach tours but don't be so clever to think they will keep coming if you are rude. Wake up Isola, please and starting investing in yourself & look after your customers!! We are not mugs & if you don't look at other stations & how they improve, people will stop coming. Plus side; good snow record but not this year, pretty trees skiing, minuses; not many runs, slow lifts, terrible accommodations, basic restaurants, rude arrogant welcome if you are not French speaking tourist. What a shame, could be wonderful!

January 30, 2012Alex from France

Isola2000 is a very decent ski resort near Nice, around 1h30min drive from Nice airport (windy mountain roads last 30 minutes of drive). This resort tends to have good snow (not at time of writing), is high up (2650m) and has a much better chance of sunshine. They have a decent amount of lifts, including 2 gondola's and another 6 person lift, which are excellent. Snow's augmented with 300 or so snow cannons. There are a number of places to eat during the day, but I had the feeling the place went pretty dead after last lift closure (17:00), it may be different during weekends and school holidays.

Overall, the resort has improved a lot over the years and is great if you want to combine this with visiting Nice. I would not choose this resort for a whole week of skiing, as it's too small and lacks choice of accommodation and apres-ski. But certainly for a day or long afternoon it's excellent and would choose it over Auron or some of the even smaller resorts nearby.